ROTATABLE ATTACHMENT ASSEMBLY FOR VACUUM CLEANER

Abstract

A vacuum bag attachment assembly for a vacuum cleaner includes a housing member connectable to the vacuum cleaner. A locking handle is movably connected to the housing member and movable between first and second positions. An opening in the locking handle receives a fitting of a vacuum bag. Moving the locking handle between the first and second positions connects and disconnects the vacuum bag and the attachment assembly.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an attachment assembly for securing a vacuum bag to a vacuum cleaner. More particularly, the present invention relates to an attachment assembly having a locking handle movable from a first position to a second position to secure the vacuum bag to the attachment assembly. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to an attachment assembly in which a locking handle is rotated between first and second positions to secure a vacuum bag to the attachment assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

By-pass motor-style vacuum cleaners dispose a vacuum bag in front of a motor in the direction of a generated air flow. The vacuum bag and motor are typically disposed in a housing. The vacuum bag is typically a disposable bag that collects dust and dirt during operation of the vacuum cleaner, and is disposed of when full and replaced with a new bag. The vacuum bag is removed from the housing when the vacuum bag is replaced.

A conventional handheld vacuum cleaner 1, which is a by-pass motor-style vacuum cleaner, is shown in FIG. 1. A generated air flow provides suction at a first end of the air hose 2. The second end of the air hose 2 is connected to an outer cap 3, which is connected to the housing 4. A vacuum bag is disposed within the housing 4 and connected to the outer cap 3. A motor is disposed in the housing 4 rearward (in the direction of the air stream) of the vacuum bag.

Because the vacuum bag is disposable, it must be economical to produce. The vacuum bag should also be sufficiently durable to permit it to be installed and removed without damage. It should also provide a connecting and sealing structure for connecting the vacuum bag to the dirt-laden intake of the vacuum cleaner that is easily installed and provides a reliable seal, thereby protecting the components disposed in the vacuum housing.

A user of the vacuum cleaner may dispose of the vacuum bag, which is the primary filter, and forget to replace it with a new vacuum bag. The vacuum cleaner will still operate, but the collected dust and debris will be discharged into the housing. This results in unwanted dust and debris in the housing and can damage the housing as well as other parts of the vacuum cleaner. Additionally, the dust and debris may exit the housing and be returned to the environment from which it was collected. Accordingly, a need exists for a device that warns a user that a vacuum bag has not been properly installed.

Locking mechanisms for vacuum bags currently exist. However, indication of the absence of a vacuum bag is not made until just prior to attempting to operate the vacuum cleaner. Accordingly, a need exists for a visual indication visible from a distance that a vacuum bag has not been properly installed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An attachment assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention allows a vacuum bag to be quickly and easily connected. A locking handle is moved from a first position to a second position to secure a vacuum bag to the attachment assembly.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the housing is prevented from being closed when a locking handle of the attachment assembly is in a first position. During installation of the vacuum bag, the locking handle is moved from the first position to the second position. In the second position, the locking handle no longer prevents the housing from being closed. The user can then close the housing and operate the vacuum cleaner.

Objects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

As used in this application, the terms “front,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “upwardly,” “downwardly,” and other orientational descriptors are intended to facilitate the description of the attachment assembly, and are not intended to limit the structure of the attachment assembly to any particular position or orientation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above aspects and features of the present invention will be more apparent from the description for an exemplary embodiment of the present invention taken with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art handheld vacuum cleaner;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a rotating attachment assembly for a handheld vacuum cleaner in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded rear perspective view of the rotating attachment assembly showing shoulders of an outer cap that limit rotation of a locking ring;

FIG. 4 is an exploded front perspective view of the rotating attachment assembly showing a flex arm of a locking ring and corresponding detents of a retaining ring that generate audible and tactile indicia;

FIG. 5 is an exploded front perspective view of the rotating attachment assembly showing a recess of the locking handle;

FIG. 6 is an exploded rear perspective view of the locking handle and the locking ring showing the teeth of the locking ring;

FIG. 7 is an exploded front perspective view of the lock ring lever and the locking ring showing the recess of the locking handle;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the rotating attachment assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a rear elevational view of the rotating attachment assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the rotating attachment assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the rotating attachment assembly of FIG. 2 prior to receiving a vacuum bag;

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the rotating attachment assembly of FIG. 2 after receiving a vacuum bag;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the rotating attachment assembly of FIG. 2 prior to being connected to a housing;

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the rotating attachment assembly of FIG. 13 prior to being connected to the housing;

FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of the rotating attachment assembly of FIG. 2 showing the attachment assembly being prevented from being connected to the housing with the handle in a first position;

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view in cross section of a rotating attachment assembly in an unlocked for a canister vacuum cleaner in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a side elevational view in cross section of the rotating attachment assembly of FIG. 16 in a locked position;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the rotating attachment assembly of FIG. 16 in a locked position;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the rotating locking assembly of FIG. 16 in an unlocked position;

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of the vacuum bag prior to engaging a bracket of a base of a canister vacuum cleaner;

FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of the vacuum bag prior to engaging the bracket of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of the vacuum bag secured to the bracket of FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is an enlarged front perspective view of the vacuum bag fitting and bracket of FIG. 20;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged front perspective view of the vacuum bag fitting and bracket of FIG. 21;

FIG. 25 is an enlarged front perspective view of the vacuum bag fitting and bracket of FIG. 22;

FIG. 26 is a front perspective view of a rotating attachment assembly for a canister vacuum cleaner in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a front perspective view of the rotating locking assembly of FIG. 26 with a vacuum bag attached to a cover of the vacuum cleaner;

FIG. 28 is a front perspective view of the rotating locking assembly of FIG. 26 with the cover being moved to a closed position; and

FIG. 29 is a front perspective view of the closed vacuum cleaner.

Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals will be understood to refer to like parts, components and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

A locking assembly for a vacuum cleaner in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1-29. The locking assembly quickly and easily secures a vacuum bag thereto.

As shown in FIGS. 1-15, an attachment assembly 41 for a vacuum cleaner 11 in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment includes a locking handle 51, a locking ring 61 and a retaining ring 71. The retaining ring 71 is fixedly secured to an outer cap or housing member 13, which is secured to the vacuum cleaner 11. The locking handle 51 and locking ring 61 are movably disposed between the retaining ring 71 and the outer cap 13. The locking ring 61 is engaged by the locking handle 51 such that movement of the locking handle 51 results in movement of the locking ring 61.

A vacuum bag 21, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,075,649 and that is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, includes a container portion 23 having an opening therein, as shown in FIG. 11. An exemplary vacuum bag 121 is shown in FIGS. 20-22. Although shown as having a substantially rectangular shape in FIGS. 20-22, the vacuum bag 21 may have any suitable shape. The container portion 23 may be made of a flexible and porous material, such as paper, non-woven material, woven material, or a combination thereof. The opening is formed in the container portion 23 for the intake of dust and debris from a vacuum cleaner. The opening can be formed in any suitable location of the container portion 23.

A fitting, or collar, 31 is attached to the container portion 23 of the vacuum bag 21, as shown in FIG. 11. The fitting 31 can be attached to the vacuum bag 21 in any suitable manner, such as with an adhesive or thermo bonded. The fitting 31, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, includes a cylindrical portion 33 extending outwardly from a base 35. A fitting opening 37 extends completely through the cylindrical portion 33 and the base 35 of the fitting 31. The fitting 31 is secured to the vacuum bag 21 such that the fitting opening 37 is in communication with the opening in the container portion 23. The fitting 31 is preferably made of a substantially rigid material, such as plastic, metal, cardboard, fiberboard or a combination thereof. Preferably, an outer surface 36 of the cylindrical portion 33 has a plurality of threads 34 to facilitate engaging the locking ring 61. An inner surface 38 of the cylindrical portion 33 has axially extending guide rails 39 to facilitate engagement with the outer cap 13. Preferably, a pair of guide rails 39 are diametrically opposed on the inner surface 38 of the cylindrical portion 33 of the fitting 31. The engagement of the guide rails 39 with grooves 42 of the outer cap 13 substantially prevent rotation of the vacuum bag 21 when being connected to and disconnected from the vacuum cleaner 11.

The vacuum cleaner 11 includes a body or housing 12, as shown in FIGS. 13-15, that receives the vacuum bag 21. The outer cap 13 is secured to the housing 12 of the vacuum cleaner 11 to enclose the vacuum bag 21 therein. The motor (not shown) is disposed within the housing 12 downstream of the vacuum bag 21 in the air flow direction.

The locking handle 51 has an inner surface 52 facing the locking ring 61 and an outer surface 53 facing the retaining ring 71, as shown in FIGS. 2-4. An opening 54 extends through the locking handle 51 from the inner surface 52 to the outer surface 53. A handle 55 extends outwardly and away from the opening 54 to facilitate grasping by a user. A flexible arm 87 is formed in an outer edge 88 of the locking handle 51, as shown in FIG. 6.

The locking ring 61 has a base 62 with a cylindrical portion 63 extending outwardly therefrom, as shown in FIG. 2. The cylindrical portion 63 has an inner surface 64 and an outer surface 65. An opening 66 extends completely through the cylindrical portion 63 and the base 62 of the locking ring 61. The inner surface 64 of the cylindrical portion 63 of the locking ring 61 preferably has a plurality of threads 67 to facilitate engagement with the threads 34 disposed on the outer surface 36 of the cylindrical portion 33 of the vacuum bag fitting 31, as shown in FIG. 6. A tab 68 extends outwardly from an outer edge 69 of the base 62 and has a first end 93 and a second end 94.

The retaining ring 71 has an inner surface 72 facing the locking handle 51 and an outer surface 73 facing away from the locking handle 51, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. An opening 74 extends through the retaining ring 71 from the inner surface 72 to the outer surface 73. A first mounting ear 75 extends outwardly from the retaining ring 71 away from the opening 74 therein. A fastener hole 76 in the mounting ear 75 receives a fastener 77 to secure the retaining ring 71 to the outer cap 13. Preferably, a second mounting ear 78 extends outwardly from the retaining ring 71 and away from the opening therein, and is diametrically opposed to the first mounting ear 75. A fastener hole 79 in the second mounting ear 78 receives a fastener 80 to further facilitate securing the retaining ring 71 to the outer cap 13. A wall 89 extends rearwardly from the inner surface 72 of the retaining ring 71, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. First and second detents 91 and 92 are space apart on an inner surface 90 of the retaining ring wall 89.

A plurality of teeth 81 are disposed on the outer surface 65 of the cylindrical portion 63 of the locking ring 61, as shown in FIG. 6. The teeth 81 extend circumferentially along a portion of the cylindrical portion 63 proximal the base 62. Preferably, the teeth 81 are offset from the tab 68.

A groove 82 extends circumferentially in the rear surface 52 of the locking handle 51 proximal the opening 54, as shown in FIG. 7. The arcuate length of the groove 82 is substantially equivalent to the arcuate distance from the first tooth 83 to the last tooth 84. First and second shoulders 85 and 86 are formed at ends of the groove 82. The first shoulder 85 is engaged by the first tooth 83 and the second shoulder 86 is engaged by the second tooth 84 such that rotation of the locking handle 51 rotates the locking ring 61.

The outer cap or housing member 13 has an opening 14 extending from an outer surface 15 to an inner surface 16, as shown in FIGS. 3-5. A wall 17 extends rearwardly from the inner surface 16 of the outer cap 13. First and second posts 95 and 96 extend rearwardly from the inner surface 16 of the outer cap 13 to receive fasteners 77 and 80 to secure the locking ring 61 thereto. First and second posts 95 and 96 extend rearwardly from the inner surface 16 of the outer cap 13 to receive fasteners 77 and 80 to secure the locking ring 61 thereto. First and second shoulders 18 and 19 in the wall 17 limit the rotational movement of the locking ring 61 when the locking ring 61 is connected to the outer cap 13. A projection 20 extends rearwardly from the inner surface 16 of the outer cap 13 and is disposed within the wall 17, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. A groove 42 extends longitudinally along an outer surface of the projection 20. Preferably, a pair of grooves 42 are diametrically opposed and extend longitudinally along the outer surface of the projection 20. Tabs 28 disposed on the outer cap 13 facilitate connecting the outer cap to the vacuum cleaner body 12.

The locking handle 51, locking ring 61, mounting plate 71 and outer cap 13 are made of any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, plastic, such as ABS, polycarbonate and PC/ABS plastic.

Assembly and Operation

The attachment assembly 41 is pre-assembled prior to being connected to the vacuum cleaner 11, as shown in FIGS. 8-10 and 12-14. The locking ring 61 is connected to the locking handle 51 such that the locking ring teeth 81 are received by the locking handle groove 82, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The retainer ring 71 is then connected to the locking handle 51 such that the outer edge 88 of the locking handle 51 is received within the wall 89 of the retaining ring. Fasteners 77 and 80 are inserted through the mounting ears 75 and 78 to secure the retaining ring 71 to the outer cap 13 with the locking handle 51 and locking ring 61 movably disposed therebetween, as shown in FIGS. 8-10. The attachment assembly 41 surrounds the projection 20 such that there is a gap between the attachment assembly 41 and the projection 20 of the outer cap 13. The gap is formed between the outer surface of the projection 20 and the inner surface 64 of the locking ring 61, as shown in FIG. 10, to receive the vacuum bag collar 31.

As shown in FIG. 10, the handle 55 of the locking handle 51 is in a first position when the vacuum bag 21 is not connected to the attachment assembly 41. The second shoulder 94 of the locking ring 61 abuts the shoulder 19 of the wall 17 of the outer cap 13. The second shoulder 94 prevents further counter-clockwise rotation of the handle 55, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 10. Indicia on the inner surface 16 of the outer cap 13 indicates that the first position of the handle 55 corresponds to a position in which the vacuum bag 21 is not connected, i.e., “bag off.”

To connect the vacuum bag 21 to the attachment assembly 41, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the vacuum bag fitting 31 is connected to the attachment assembly 41 by inserting the cylindrical portion 33 of the fitting 31 in the gap between the outer surface of the outer cap projection 20 and the inner surface 64 of the locking ring 61 in a direction indicated by arrow 97. The guide rings 39 of the vacuum bag fitting 31 engage grooves 42 on the outer surface of the outer cap projection 20 to facilitate movement of the vacuum bag fitting 31 as it is threadably connected to the locking ring 61.

When the vacuum bag fitting 31 is initially connected to the attachment assembly 41, as shown in FIG. 10, the handle 55 is in the first position. The locking handle flexible arm 87 is received in the second detent 92 of the retainer ring 71, thereby preventing accidental rotation of the handle 55. The locking handle 51 is then moved to the second position, as shown in FIG. 12, by rotating the handle 55 in a clockwise direction as indicated by the arrow 98. Rotating the handle 55 in the clockwise direction overcomes the force exerted by the second detents 92 on the flexible arm 87, thereby allowing the locking handle 51 to rotate, as shown in FIG. 12. The plurality of teeth 81 of the locking ring 61 are received by the groove 82 of the locking handle 51 such that the locking ring 61 rotates with the locking handle 51. The first tooth 83 of the locking ring 61 abuts the first shoulder 85 of the groove 82 of the locking handle 51 to rotate the locking ring 61 with the locking handle. Rotation of the locking handle 51 is stopped when the first shoulder 93 of the locking ring 61 abuts the first shoulder 18 of the wall 17 of the outer cap 13.

The rotation of the locking ring 61 results in inward axial movement of the vacuum bag fitting 31, thereby securing the vacuum bag 21 to the outer cap 13, as shown in FIG. 12. The guide rings 39 of the vacuum bag fitting 31 are received in the grooves 42 of the outer cap projection 20, thereby substantially preventing rotation of the vacuum bag fitting 31, and thus the vacuum bag 11, during connection and disconnection. The flexible arm 87 is received by the first detent 91 (FIG. 5) to facilitate maintaining the handle 55 in the second position. The movement of the flexible arm 87 into the first detent provides a tactile and audible indication to the user that the vacuum bag fitting 31 is connected to the attachment assembly 41. Indicia on the inner surface 16 of the outer cap 13 indicates that the second position of the handle 55 corresponds to a position in which the vacuum bag 21 is connected, i.e., “bag on.” The attachment assembly 41 can now be connected to the vacuum cleaner 11 to close the housing 12 so the vacuum 11 can be properly operated.

A stop member 99 can extend outwardly from the vacuum cleaner housing 12, as shown in FIG. 13. The outer cap 13 of the attachment assembly 41 is connected to the housing 12 such that the outer cap tabs 28 engage corresponding recesses 29 in the vacuum cleaner housing 12. The outer cap 13 is then rotated in a clockwise direction, as shown in FIG. 13, to close the housing 12 and secure the outer cap 13 thereto. When the outer cap 13 is connected to the housing 12 with the handle 55 in the first position, i.e., no vacuum bag connected, the handle 55 engages the stop member 99 of the vacuum cleaner housing 12, thereby preventing the outer cap 13 from being secured to the housing 12, as shown in FIG. 15. The handle 55 contacts the stop member 99 to prevent rotation of the outer cap 13 in the direction indicated by arrow 46 to secure the outer cap 13 to the housing 12. Thus, the user is made aware that the vacuum bag needs to be connected to the attachment assembly 41 and operation of the vacuum cleaner 11 without a vacuum bag is prevented. When the vacuum bag 21 is attached to the attachment assembly 41 such that the handle 55 is in the second position, the stop member 99 does not interfere with movement of the handle such that the outer cap 13 can be secured to the housing 12 and the vacuum cleaner 11 operated. The handle 55 in the second position is located counter-clockwise of the position of the handle shown in FIG. 15 such that the outer cap 13 is secured to the housing 12 before the handle 55 engages the stop member 99. The hose 2 (FIG. 1) can now be connected to the outer caps 13 for operating the vacuum cleaner 11.

To remove the vacuum bag 21 from the vacuum cleaner 11, the above-described process is performed in reverse. The outer cap 13 is rotated counter-clockwise to remove the attachment assembly 41 from the vacuum cleaner 11. The handle 55 is rotated counter-clockwise to rotate the vacuum bag fitting 31 away from the locking ring 61. The flexible arm 87 is received by the second detent 92 to provide a tactile and audible indication that the vacuum bag 21 can be removed. The second shoulder 94 of the locking ring 61 engages the second shoulder 19 of the wall 17 of the outer cap 13 to prevent further counter-clockwise rotation of the handle 55. The last tooth 84 of the locking ring 61 engages the second end 86 of the groove such that the locking ring 61 rotates with the locking handle 51. When the handle 55 returns to the second position, the vacuum bag 21 can be removed from the attachment assembly. The used vacuum bag 31 can be discarded and a new vacuum bag attached as described above.

Second Exemplary Embodiment

An attachment assembly 141 for a canister vacuum cleaner 101 in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 16-25. A vacuum bag 121 is connected to a base or body 102 of a canister vacuum cleaner 101, as shown in FIGS. 20-25.

The canister vacuum cleaner includes the base 102 and a cover 103 hingedly connected thereto. A cavity 104 is formed between the base 102 and the cover 103 to receive the vacuum bag 121.

The vacuum bag 121 is substantially similar to the vacuum bag 21 of the first exemplary embodiment. A pair of mounting arms 132 and 133 extend outwardly from a container portion 123 of the vacuum bag 121. Preferably, the mounting arms 132 and 133 are diametrically opposed on opposite sides of a vacuum bag fitting 131. Preferably, the mounting arms 132 and 133 are substantially U-shaped.

A mounting member 181 is connected to the base 102 of the vacuum cleaner 101, as shown in FIGS. 20-22. A base member 182 of the mounting member 181 has a substantially arcuate portion 183 configured to receive the vacuum bag fitting 131. A pair of mounting posts 184 and 185 extend from ends of the arcuate portion 183, as shown in FIGS. 20-25, to receive the mounting arms 132 and 133 of the vacuum bag 121. Hooks 186 and 187 extend upwardly from ends of the mounting posts 184 and 185 to substantially prevent accidental removal of the vacuum bag from the mounting member 181. Stop members 188 and 189 are disposed at ends of the mounting posts 184 and 185 opposite the hooks 186 and 187 to limit insertion of the vacuum bag onto the mounting posts of the mounting member 181.

Connection of the vacuum bag 121 to the base 102 of the vacuum cleaner 101 is shown in FIGS. 20-25. The vacuum bag 121 is inserted in the cavity 104 in the vacuum cleaner 101. The fitting 131 is then moved in the direction indicated by the arrow 191 in FIGS. 20, 21, 23 and 24 to connect the mounting arms 132 and 133 of the vacuum bag 121 to the mounting posts 184 and 185 of the vacuum cleaner 101. The mounting arms 132 and 133 slide over the hooks 186 and 187 at the free ends of the mounting posts until they abut the stop members 188 and 189, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 25. The mounting arms 132 and 133 are disposed between the hooks 186 and 187 and the stop members 188 and 189, thereby substantially preventing movement of the vacuum bag while connecting the vacuum bag to the attachment assembly 141 and during operation of the vacuum cleaner 101.

The attachment assembly 141 is connected to the cover 103 of the vacuum cleaner 101, as shown in FIGS. 16-19. The attachment assembly 141 of the second exemplary embodiment is substantially similar to the attachment assembly 41 of the first exemplary embodiment and operates in a substantially similar manner. An opening 142 in the attachment assembly 141 receives the fitting 131 of the vacuum bag 121. A locking ring 161 is rotatably disposed in the cover 103. The handle 155 is rotatably connected to the locking ring 161 such that rotation of the handle 155 from the unlock position, i.e., first position, to the lock position, i.e., second position, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, secures the vacuum bag 121 to the attachment assembly. Rotating the handle 155 moves the locking ring 161 upwardly, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, thereby axially moving the fitting 131 of the vacuum bag upwardly into a secure engagement with the attachment assembly 141. The cover 103 of the vacuum cleaner 101 is now secured to the base 102 of the vacuum cleaner 101 through the connection between the cover 103 and the vacuum bag and the vacuum bag to the mounting member 181 of the base 102. Rotating the handle 155 back to the unlock position allows the cover 103 to be pivoted to an open position, as shown in FIG. 20 such that the vacuum bag 121 can be removed and replaced with a new vacuum bag.

Third Exemplary Embodiment

An attachment assembly for a canister vacuum cleaner 201 in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment is shown in FIGS. 26-29. A vacuum bag 221 is connected to a cover or housing member 203 of the canister vacuum cleaner 201.

The canister vacuum cleaner 201 includes a base 202 and the cover 203 hingedly connected thereto. A cavity 204 is formed between the base 202 and the cover 203 to receive the vacuum bag 221.

The vacuum bag 221 is substantially similar to the vacuum bag 21 of the first exemplary embodiment. A pair of mounting arms 232 and 233 extend outwardly from a container portion 223 of the vacuum bag 221. Preferably, the mounting arms 232 and 233 are diametrically opposed on opposite sides of a vacuum bag fitting 231. A mounting member (not shown) is connected to an inner surface 204 of the cover 203 to receive the mounting arms 232 and 233 of the vacuum bag 221. Preferably, the mounting arms 232 and 233 are snap fit to the mounting member of the cover 203.

Connection of the vacuum bag 221 to the cover 203 of the vacuum cleaner 201 is shown in FIGS. 26-29. The vacuum bag 221 is inserted in the cavity 204 in the vacuum cleaner 201. The fitting 231 is then moved in the direction indicated by the arrow 291 in FIG. 26 to connect the mounting arms 232 and 233 of the vacuum bag 221 to the mounting member of the cover 203 of the vacuum cleaner 101.

The attachment assembly 241 is connected to the cover 103 of the vacuum cleaner 201. The attachment assembly 241 of the third exemplary embodiment is substantially similar to the attachment assembly 41 of the first exemplary embodiment and operates in a substantially similar manner. An opening 242 in the attachment assembly 241 receives the fitting 231 of the vacuum bag 221. A handle of the attachment assembly 241 is rotated from an unlock position, i.e., first position, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, to a lock position, i.e., second position, to secure the vacuum bag 221 to the attachment assembly 241. Rotating the handle 255 axially moves the fitting 231 of the vacuum bag upwardly into a secure engagement with the attachment assembly 241. Rotating the handle 255 back to the unlock position allows the cover 203 to be pivoted to an open position, as shown in FIG. 26 such that the vacuum bag 221 can be removed and replaced with a new vacuum bag.

The foregoing embodiment and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. The description of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications, alternatives and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A vacuum bag attachment assembly for a vacuum cleaner, comprising:

a housing member connectable to a body of a vacuum cleaner;

a locking handle movably connected to said housing member and movable between first and second positions; and

an opening in said locking handle for receiving a fitting of a vacuum bag, moving said locking handle between said first and second positions securely connects and disconnects said attachment assembly and the vacuum bag.

2. The vacuum bag attachment assembly according to claim 1, wherein

a locking ring is connected to said locking handle such that movement of said locking handle between said first and second positions rotates said locking ring to axially move the vacuum bag fitting toward and away from said locking ring, respectively.

3. The vacuum bag attachment assembly according to claim 2, wherein

a plurality of teeth of said locking are received by a recess of said locking handle such that said locking ring rotates with movement of said locking handle.

4. The vacuum bag attachment assembly according to claim 2, wherein

said locking ring is threaded to threadably engage the vacuum bag fitting.

5. The vacuum bag attachment assembly according to claim 2, wherein

a projection extends outwardly from said outer cap to receive said locking handle and said locking ring.

6. The vacuum bag attachment assembly according to claim 2, wherein

a retaining ring is connected to said housing member to secure said locking handle and said locking ring between said housing member and said retaining ring.

7. The vacuum bag attachment assembly according to claim 1, wherein

first and second shoulders of said housing member limit rotation of said locking handle between said first and second positions.

8. The vacuum bag attachment assembly according to claim 7, wherein

a groove on said housing member receives corresponding guide rails on the vacuum bag fitting to substantially prevent rotation of the vacuum bag when being connected to and disconnected from said attachment assembly.

9. The vacuum bag attachment assembly according to claim 1, wherein

said housing member is removably connected to said body of said vacuum cleaner.

10. The vacuum bag attachment assembly according to claim 1, wherein

said housing member is hingedly connected to said body of said vacuum cleaner.

11. A vacuum cleaner, comprising:

a vacuum cleaner body; and

an attachment assembly connected to said vacuum cleaner body, said attachment assembly including a housing member connectable to said vacuum cleaner body; a locking ring rotatably connected to said housing member; a locking handle connected to said locking ring and rotatable with said locking ring such that movement of said locking handle between first and second positions rotates said locking ring; and a retaining ring connected to said housing member to secure said locking handle and said locking ring between said housing member and said retaining ring.

12. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 11, wherein

said vacuum cleaner body includes a stop member such that when said locking handle is in said first position said stop member prevents said outer cap from being fully connected to said vacuum cleaner body and when said locking handle is in said second position said housing member can be fully connected to said vacuum cleaner body.

13. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 12, wherein

said locking handle is moved from said first position to said second position to connect a vacuum bag to said attachment assembly.

14. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 11, wherein

a plurality of teeth of said locking are received by a recess of said locking handle such that said locking ring rotates with movement of said locking handle.

15. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 13, wherein

said locking ring is threaded to receive a threaded fitting of the vacuum bag.

16. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 13, wherein

first and second detents of said retaining ring receive a flexible arm of said locking ring in said first and second positions, respectively, thereby generating tactile and audible indicia that the vacuum bag is connected or disconnected.

17. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 11, wherein

first and second shoulders of said housing member limit rotation of said locking handle between said first and second positions.

18. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 11, wherein

a projection extends outwardly from said housing member to receive said attachment assembly.

19. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 18, wherein

the vacuum bag fitting is receivable between an outer surface of said housing member projection and an inner surface of said locking ring.

20. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 11, wherein

said attachment assembly is connected to said housing member before connecting said housing member to said vacuum cleaner body.

21. The vacuum bag attachment assembly according to claim 11, wherein

said housing member is removably connected to said body of said vacuum cleaner.

22. The vacuum bag attachment assembly according to claim 11, wherein

said housing member is hingedly connected to said body of said vacuum cleaner.

23. A method of connecting a vacuum bag to a vacuum cleaner, comprising the steps of

connecting a fitting of a vacuum bag with an attachment assembly of a vacuum cleaner;

rotating a locking handle of the attachment assembly from a first position to a second position to secure the vacuum bag to the attachment assembly; and

connecting the attachment assembly to a body of the vacuum cleaner to enclose the vacuum bag in the vacuum cleaner.

24. The method of connecting a vacuum bag to a vacuum cleaner according to claim 23, further comprising

connecting an outer cap of the attachment assembly to the vacuum cleaner to enclose the vacuum bag in the vacuum cleaner.

25. The method of connecting a vacuum bag to a vacuum cleaner according to claim 24, wherein

the outer cap is prevented from being fully connected to the vacuum cleaner body when the locking handle is in the first position.

26. The method of connecting a vacuum bag to a vacuum cleaner according to claim 23, wherein

moving the locking handle from the first position to the second position rotates a locking ring of the attachment assembly threadably engaged with the vacuum bag fitting thereby securing the vacuum bag to the attachment assembly.

27. The method of connecting a vacuum bag to a vacuum cleaner according to claim 23, wherein

the vacuum bag is prevented from rotating when connecting the vacuum bag fitting to the attachment assembly.

28. The method of connecting a vacuum bag to a vacuum cleaner according to claim 23, further comprising

pivoting a cover of the attachment assembly to a closed position with respect to the body of the vacuum cleaner to enclose the vacuum bag in the vacuum cleaner.

29. A vacuum cleaner, comprising:

a vacuum cleaner body;

a vacuum bag having a threaded fitting extending outwardly therefrom;

an attachment assembly connected to a housing member, said housing member being connectable to said vacuum cleaner body, said attachment assembly comprising a locking ring rotatably connectable to said housing member; a locking handle connected to said locking ring and rotatable with said locking ring such that movement of said locking handle between first and second positions rotates said locking ring; and a retaining ring connected to said housing member to secure said locking handle and said locking ring between said housing member and said retaining ring.

30. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 29, wherein

said vacuum bag fitting has an inner surface and an outer surface, said threads being disposed on said outer surface.

31. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 30, wherein

at least one guide rail is disposed on said inner surface of said vacuum bag fitting.

32. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 31, wherein

said housing member has an outwardly extending projection to rotatably receive said locking ring, and a groove on an outer surface of said outer cap projection to receive said at least one guide rail on said vacuum bag fitting thereby substantially preventing rotation of said vacuum bag when said vacuum bag threaded fitting engages said attachment assembly.

33. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 29, wherein

said housing member is hingedly connected to said vacuum cleaner body.

34. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 29, wherein

said housing member is removably connected to said vacuum cleaner body.